Simpkins, Rickie

RICKIE SIMPKINS

  • From Christiansburg, Virginia. Lives in Nashville.
  • Learned fiddle at age six.
  • Age 9, played fiddle on stage with Flatt and Scruggs in his home town.
  • First band: Upland Express (recorded one album for Leather Records in 1979.) His brother Ronnie was also in this band.
  • 1979, joined the McPeak Brothers.
  • 1981, joined the Heights of Grass which morphed into the Virginia Squires (with brother Ronnie, Mark Newton and Sammy Shelor).
  • 1983, joined the Tony Rice Unit.
  • 1996, joined David Parmley, Scott Vestal and Continental Divide.
  • 1997, released Dancing on the Fingerboard album (Pinecastle).
  • 2000, joined the Lonesome River Band.
  • 2001, joined the Isaacs.
  • 2002, toured with the Gaithers.
  • 2002, released Don’t Fret It album (Doobie Shea).
  • 2008, was inducted into the Virginia Music Hall of Fame.
  • 2008, began touring with Emmylou Harris and Her Red Dirt Boys.